From NFL locker rooms to the bright lights of live-streamed poker tables, Hayes Pullard has carved a unique path as a leader redefining sports, entertainment, and competitive gaming.
Today, as the founder of the Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT), he brings together athletes, influencers, and creators in a fresh take on poker, where the game is as much about connection and culture as it is about chips and cards. In this report of Industry People, we will delve into the extraordinary journey of Hayes Pullard, who is the co-founder of Celebrity Poker Tour.
Hayes Pullard’s Inspirational Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Born on April 18, 1992, in Inglewood, California, Hayes Joseph Pullard grew up in a disciplined household as one of ten siblings. He attended Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, where he thrived not only in football but also in basketball and track and field. Though his mother wanted him to attend a school farther from the violence in their neighborhood, Pullard chose to stay close to home, following in the footsteps of his older brothers.
At Crenshaw, he played alongside future stars like De’Anthony Thomas and Marcus Martin, helping lead the school to historic success on the football field. Off the field, Pullard stood out as a role model, frequently mentoring younger students and steering them away from the challenges of street life.
Following a successful college football career at USC and a stint in the NFL, Pullard found himself in Las Vegas. While he had always been aware of poker, his busy athletic career left little time to explore it. That changed when friends invited him to home games, sparking a new passion. What began casually soon turned serious, as Pullard became captivated by poker’s mental rigor and strategic complexity, paralleling the preparation and discipline of his football days.
Building the Celebrity Poker Tour
After retiring from professional football, Pullard returned to his alma mater as a Quality Control Analyst at the University of Southern California in 2020. Two years later, he joined the New York Jets as a Defensive Assistant.
But it was poker that would soon define the next chapter of his life.
Motivated by his growing love for the game and a vision to create something unique, Pullard founded the Celebrity Poker Tour (CPT). His goal was to unite athletes, entertainers, influencers, and content creators under one platform. CPT isn’t just about winning hands—it’s about building connections, telling stories, and creating an accessible space where poker and pop culture collide.
A Look at the Celebrity Poker Tour and Its Future
Since its debut in 2023, the Celebrity Poker Tour has quickly become a standout in poker entertainment. Season 1 featured nine high-energy events and over 60 celebrity participants—from sports stars and internet influencers to professional poker players. One of the most memorable storylines was Maria Ho, who made history as the tour’s first two-time champion. Women dominated the tour’s inaugural season, winning two-thirds of the events and challenging gender norms within the game.
CPT’s accessibility has played a huge role in its success. The events are free to watch on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and streaming services such as Pluto TV and Fubo, allowing the tour to reach younger and more diverse audiences. Many viewers tune in not just for the poker action, but for the celebrities themselves.
A prime example came in September 2024, when internet sensation Hawk Tuah Girl joined a live CPT stream. That episode quickly became one of the most-watched in CPT’s history, amassing over 125,000 views on YouTube.
The Road Ahead
Looking to 2025 and beyond, the Celebrity Poker Tour is only gaining momentum. CEO Blake Wynn has announced plans for an even bigger Season 2, which will include eight core events and expanded content across social and streaming platforms. Fans can look forward to more behind-the-scenes footage, engaging storytelling, and interactive digital experiences.
One of the most exciting additions is the Summer Invitational, aligned with the NBA Summer League, which aims to draw in even more basketball stars and broaden CPT’s celebrity appeal.
With its unique blend of competitive spirit, entertainment, and inclusivity, Hayes Pullard’s CPT is more than a poker tour—it’s a cultural movement redefining how audiences engage with the game.
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